Galfa Tower

Galfa Tower, Milan’s historic skyscraper originally designed by Melchiorre Bega in the 1950s, has been recently refurbished to integrate contemporary functionality and high-performance design while preserving the modular character of the original façade.

The 109-meter-high tower is supported by a reinforced concrete structure and clad with high-selectivity triple-glass units combined with aluminium curtain-wall panels, providing thermal efficiency and daylight optimization.

The renovation, led by BG&K, reprogrammed the tower with a mix of uses: a luxury hotel occupies the first 12 floors, residential apartments extend from the 13th to the 30th floor, and a rooftop restaurant completes the vertical program.

Advanced renewable energy technologies, including photovoltaic and geothermal systems, were integrated to enhance energy efficiency and overall building performance. The refurbishment also brings the structure in line with the latest local seismic standards, ensuring safety and long-term resilience.

Highly transparent volumes highlight the panoramic lifts, while a light-glass cube defines the entrance to the below-ground areas, enhancing accessibility and visual clarity.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful refurbishment, high-performance façades, and integrated structural solutions can preserve architectural heritage while upgrading functionality, sustainability, and user experience in a high-rise context.